SoulSpace is run by Jo Matthews and Mel Sanderson who are both survivors of historical sexual abuse. After reporting their individual cases to the police in 2016, months of evidence gathering followed with the police then submitting both cases to the CPS later that year. After another long wait, the CPS decided to charge the accused perpetrators and dates were confirmed for September 2017 in York Crown Court.

There’s a big misconception that when the trial is done, normal life resumes, and after being supported by IDAS throughout the whole process, Mel & Jo realised that there was something missing. Although there were lots of counselling opportunities, there was nowhere you could go and talk to others who had been through the same thing.

The aim of SoulSpace is to provide a safe space for men, women, boys and girls to come together once a month, have a cup of tea, meet up with people who know what you’re going through and who understand that the emotions you are feeling are completely normal.

The space we provide is a no-pressure environment and anyone who attends are in control of their own journey.

We very much look forward to meeting you.

Who We Are

We Are Not:

• We are not qualified counsellors or therapists
• We are not group therapy
• We will not be sitting in a circle and sharing stories
• We are not about our stories, we are about being human beings